Minimization of Distortion in Heat Treated AISI D2 Tool Steel: Mechanism and Distortion Analysis

Heat treatment is used for the advancement in mechanical properties of the material depending on their application. Quenching is general stage in heat treatment process which involves rapid cooling of the formerly austenitized part succeeding to phase transmutation from austenite to martensite in steel. It results in the distortion of a mechanical component. This also affect on its surface integrity. This investigation presents the distortion behavior of heat treated AISI D2 Tool steel using standard Navy C-ring test. Deep cryogenic treatment was performed to reduce the transformational stresses and induce the reversed residual stresses to reduce the distortion potential of AISI D2 Tool steel. Results showed minimum dimensional deviation in deep cryogenic treatment as compared to conventional heat treatment. The hardness and surface finish is also improved by 1.26% and 13.43% as compared to conventional heat treatment. The improved surface finish is a measure of reduced distortion in deep cryogenically treated AISI D2 Tool steel.